"Canada is working quickly to help those in northern India—especially the most vulnerable—who are currently experiencing the coldest weather in decades," said the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation.

Among the hardest hit by the extreme cold weather are the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, as well as the capital, New Delhi. Other states, including Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan, are also experiencing abnormally low temperatures. To date, the Indian media have reported that approximately 250 people have died as a result of the cold weather, with most of the deaths among homeless people and the elderly.

The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation to help ensurehumanitarian needs are met.